Dallas City Wire

Bishop Joseph Strickland of the Diocese of Tyler has expressed his support for the parental school choice movement, saying Texas legislators have the opportunity this legislative session to grant parents educational freedom. Education savings accounts (ESAs) as a form of parental school choice have become a topic of debate in the Texas legislature as legislation to create an ESA program is moving to a vote on the Senate floor.

"The present legislative session in Texas provides all families with a great opportunity regarding parents' freedom to choose how to educate their children," Strickland said. "I am proud to add my voice to those advocating for parental choice regarding the schools their children attend. Parents are the primary educators of their children, and affording them the opportunity to choose the very best school for their child’s needs can be a true blessing to our society. I encourage all Texans who share this desire to contact their legislators and give voice to this important effort."

Strickland's position on school choice coincides with the Texas Conference of Catholic Bishops, which recently spoke with the Lone Star Standard about its support for ESAs. 

“The primary and principal educators of their children, parents must be free to determine the best educational environment for their children whether that be public, charter, private or homeschool," Jennifer Allmon, executive director of the Texas Conference of Catholic Bishops, told the Lone Star Standard. "Their choices should not be limited by family income or ZIP code. The bishops support parental choice programs, especially for the poor and children with special needs." Allmon cited polling data from The Texan that demonstrates a majority of Texas families are in favor of school choice programs "where the money follows the student."

According to a press release, Senate Bill 8, dubbed the "Texas Parental Bill of Rights," would establish an ESA program, with up to $8,000 available per student and controlled by the Comptroller of Public Accounts in Texas. Filed by Sen. Brandon Creighton, chair of the Senate Committee on Education, the bill clarifies that school districts with less than 20,000 students are "held harmless" so as to not lose enrollment. The bill also grants no teaching on gender identity and requires parents be notified with any changes to their child's "mental, emotional or physical health." Texas Tribune reports that the bill is making its way to the Senate floor.

ESAs work when the government grants a certain amount for parents to use for private school, homeschooling, online learning or approved learning circumstances, according to Edchoice.org. In some cases, the ESA will allow for part-time public school courses and private school courses, such as a trade school or apprenticeship. ESAs are funded with a portion of the money that is allocated by the state for each student's education. Families use the funds to customize their child's education.

The Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) applauded the "preliminary passage" of SB 8 in a press release stating the legislation would help parents of 5.4 million children in their educational choice options.

“Parents deserve to have all of the necessary tools to ensure their child has access to a quality education that works best for them,” Greg Sindelar, TPPF’s CEO, said. “Senate Bill 8 is an important step toward empowering all Texas parents, and we applaud the Senate Education Committee and Chairman Creighton for making parents a priority.”